We have updated our Terms & Conditions. To continue, please confirm that you have read and accept these:

You have to agree to pocketmags.com's Terms & Conditions to proceed

This website use cookies and similar technologies to improve the site and to provide customised content and advertising. By using this site, you agree to this use. To learn more, including how to change your cookie settings, please view our Cookie Policy

OMEGA 3

Katie Patrick reports on the benefits of Omega 3

What is it and do I need it?

It is well documented that fats are an important component of a healthy diet, however with extensive variation between them, not all fats are created equal. Whilst a high intake of saturated fatty acids is associated with numerous health implications such as cardiovascular disease, ‘healthy fats’ such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), specifically omega 6 and omega 3, are recommended within the national dietary guidelines. Numerous studies have demonstrated that when saturated fat is replaced with PUFAs in the diet, health benefits such as reduced progression of atherosclerosis are observed. PUFAs are also a key component of one of the most extensively studied diets, the Mediterranean diet, with evidence showing risk reduction properties in terms of cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, depression, colorectal cancer, diabetes, obesity, asthma, erectile dysfunction, and cognitive decline. Notably the cardioprotective elements of the Mediterranean diet are thought to be legumes, olive oil, vegetables, nuts, and fruit. Furthermore, fats are also key for the absorption and therefore prevention of deficiency of the ‘fat soluble’ vitamins, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K.

About Vegan Life

Welcome to the February issue of Vegan Life! We have a super issue for you, packed with articles, recipes and interviews.
We have spoken to activist Joey Carbstrong about his journey from doing time in a high security prison to animal welfare campaigner. His story is truly inspirational and evidence that it is never too late to move towards a compassionate lifestyle. We also have a wonderful interview with Lucy Holland, AKA Moocylu’s Designs, about her artistic style and some of the problems she has encountered on social media.
One of our special features this month focuses on vegan butters and cheeses. Less than five years ago, it was near impossible to find a good cheddar replacement, let alone replacements for haloumi, parmesan, feta and camembert. Now, there are so many vegan cheeses that you are able to make a whole cheeseboard with different flavours, strengths and textures, but without any of the cruelty associated with traditional dairy.
We have also put together a roundup of what you can expect from this year’s Vegan Life Live London, which is being held at Alexandra Palace on the 10th and 11th of February. We have shone the spotlight on some of the amazing talks, food, stalls and cookery demonstrations which will be taking place at Vegan Life Live to get you even more excited before the event!
Finally, we were lucky enough to speak to an animal rights activist about the rescue of a piglet called Bella from a factory farm in Australia. Bella (who turned out to be male) was in an atrocious state when he was found, but some wonderful people rescued and cared for him and he is now on the road to recovery. With Christmas out of the way and Valentine’s Day on the way, it is the perfect time to stop and consider how we can all be a little more loving, and compassionate to the animals we share this earth with.
As ever, please do get in touch and let us know what you are up to. We love to hear from our wonderful readers.